Reports: Saints close to deal with coach Sean Payton

Published: Friday, December 28, 2012 at 6:26 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, December 28, 2012 at 6:26 p.m.

FOX Sports' Jay Glazer has Tweeted that the Saints and head coach Sean Payton have 'reached an agreement in principle' to a contract extension.

The Tweet by Glazer, was soon followed by similar Tweets from ESPN's Insider Adam Schefter and CNNSI's Peter King.

There had been concern over Payton's return to the Saints after it was revealed midseason that his previous contract extension had been voided by the NFL over some language and that the two sides had not talked about a new deal.

Rumors ran rampant that Payton could end up in Dallas where his children now live and where fans are restless for a championship-caliber team.

Prior to the season, Payton was suspended for his alleged role in a 'play for performance' scandal that also involved the suspension of former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, assistant head coach Joe Vitt and four current and former players.

The players contested their penalties and after many legal battles, their suspensions were lifted by former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

Payton has remained mostly mum the entire season and the word was that his value had soared as the team seemed lost without him, especially early in the season.

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